Breast Cancer

What is this Disease? Second leading cause of cancer death in women Malignant (cancerous) tumor Develops from cells in the breast that are growing abnormally & out of control Some cells may break away and travel to other parts of the body (metastasis) When cancer comes back after successful treatment – it is called a recurrence.

Breast Cancer Starts Where? Ductal Carcinoma Breast milk ducts Most frequent location Lobular Carcinoma Breast milk lobes Other breast tissues Fatty & connective tissues Lymph vessels

U.S. Statistics - 2018 New cases Deaths per year 263,620 (women) 2,500 (men) Deaths per year 40,920 (women) 400 (men) 5-year localized survival rate - 96% 5-year overall survival rate – 86%

2018 263,620 women will be diagnosed this year 40,470 will die from breast cancer this year Over 3.1 million women who have been treated for breast cancer 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime 1 in 38 will die from breast cancer

Am I At Risk? Gender Age Race Family history 100 times more common in women that men Age Risk increases with age 77% of women diagnosed are >50 years of age. Race White & African American – higher risk Family history 1st degree relative double the risk Most women diagnosed do not have a family history

Additional risk factors: History of non-cancerous breast disease Starting monthly periods before age 12 Starting menopause after age 55 > 5 years post menopausal estrogen replacement therapy Never having children Having first child after age 30 Use of alcohol Obesity, especially weight gain after menopause Physical inactivity

All of these symptoms require follow up How Do I Know If I Have It? Detection of a new lump or mass Generalized swelling of part of a breast Skin irritation or dimpling Nipple pain or retraction Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin Discharge other than breast milk All of these symptoms require follow up

What Can And Should I Do? Prevention Many risk factors are not modifiable Those related to age and hormones Lifestyle changes are modifiable Maintaining a healthy diet and weight Routine physical activity Reduce the use of alcohol Knowledge and awareness Being aware of your risk factors Knowing your body Early detection

Early Detection – Best Outcome Mammograms Over age 40 – every year Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) Age 20 – 39 – every 3 years Breast Self Exam (BSE) Know how your breasts normally feel Over age 20 – every month Talk to your doctor If family history present

Are There Successful Treatments? Most successful when treated early Treatment depends on many factors Progression of the disease Patient choices Surgical interventions Breast conservation surgery – lumpectomy mastectomy Medical intervention Chemotherapy Hormone therapy Radiation therapy

What Does The Future Hold? Risk factors Further investigation re: lifestyle & environmental factors Genetics How to use gene testing Screening New technology Hormone Therapy Investigating use in prevention Chemotherapy New drugs and drug combinations

How Does Diagnosis Impact Lifestyle? Social Changes in appearance and activity tolerance Physical Pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties Psychological Fear of recurrence, guilt, depression Impact on loved ones Financial concerns Spiritual

Who Can Help? Support from family & friends Links for Life Support group www.linksforlife.org 661-322-5601 American Cancer Society www.cancer.org 1-800-ACS-2345

Who is “Links For Life”? Local Breast Cancer Organization 2 Full & 2 Part time employees Many, many volunteers Provides an organization to benefit person affected by breast cancer Challenges each women in Kern County to be aware of her breast health Educated the general public, teaching that optimum health and early detection saves lives

Links For Life – Lives are being Saved Raise funds for local programs Golf Tournament & Gala (Spring) Paint the Town Pink (October) Field over 4,200 phone calls from the public Provide 331 wigs from our wig shop Provide 24 Bras/Prosthesis Arrange for needed breast screening for women under who are uninsured or underinsured Results of these tests: 1 positive cancers detected

Other services Support groups Seminars Scholarships Health fairs Encouragement, support, friendship, & information Seminars Community education Scholarships Support students who’s guardian has been diagnosed with breast cancer, they have been diagnosed with breast cancer or going into the medical field. Health fairs

Where Can I Receive More Info? Links for Life 661-322-5601 www.linksforlife.org American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-cancer www.nci.nih.gov